Simon Hughes has just thrown a spanner into the works. He told the Commons earlier:

“When it comes to the Budget next week, we will vote for the budget. But if there are measures in the Finance Bill where we could improve fairness and make for a fairer Britain, then we will come forward with amendments to do that.”

A spectacularly inappropriate choice of words for the deputy leader of a governing party to come out with. Whether this was a cack-handed attempt at broadening some budget measures, or a deliberate dig at his leader and the coalition only time will tell. When Vince stitched up the deputy leadership election for Hughes, Guido speculated they were on manoeuvres. With displays of rebellion like this it’s hard not to believe Hughes is escalating towards an anti-coalition jihad.